Businesses face growing security threat from removable media devices
May, 2004
BUSINESSES FACE GROWING SECURITY THREAT FROM REMOVABLE MEDIA DEVICES
Research reveals that 60% of businesses are oblivious to the devices being used on their network
Research issued today by revealed that UK businesses are facing a growing security threat from removable media devices on their networks and risk both virus infection and the loss of corporate data if measures aren't implemented to manage these devices correctly.
The survey revealed that 82% of businesses believe that mobile media devices (such as USB memory sticks) pose a significant security threat with a further 60% admitting that they fail to monitor device usage. This indicates that even though the danger has been recognised, securing this particular threat is not an IT priority.
"The research has revealed some worrying attitudes towards corporate security," said Andy Campbell, managing director of . "Whilst businesses recognise a problem exists, they are taking few practical measures to protect themselves from the risks associated with removable media devices."
The research, conducted amongst 100 IT managers in UK organisations went on to reveal:
"Today's research has revealed some major security concerns for UK businesses," added Campbell. "It's clear that the majority of IT managers have little or no visibility of the devices present on their networks and subsequently don't know what these devices are being used for. With the growing demand for mobile and remote working practises, removable media devices will only increase in popularity and businesses need to look at ways of securing critical corporate data both inside and outside of the corporate environment."
The research also indicated that businesses perceive the threat of internal data theft as far more significant than the risk from outside the firewall. 54% of respondents saw internal data theft as a threat to their business whilst just 35% demonstrated concern about the external danger. Surprisingly the perceived threat of hacker attacks was viewed as similar whether inside or outside the network with 43% viewing external hacker attacks as a threat to the business and 44% worrying about the risk from within.
"Businesses need to take a broader approach to security, by considering where security breaches might occur from inside their organisation." said Graham Opie, research director at Vanson Bourne. "Very few have internal procedures to prevent data theft or prohibit the downloading of illegal and potentially harmful applications. Furthermore employees are often wandering around with unencrypted and critical data stored on mobile devices, which could easily be lost and end up in the wrong hands. It's becoming increasingly essential for any business that values its corporate data to address the risks associated with removable media devices."
According to the 2003 , theft of proprietary information is one of the costliest forms of computer crime, consistently topping the rankings of reported financial losses since 1999, exceeding even damage from worms and viruses.
Vanson Bourne, a specialist IT research consultancy, interviewed 100 IT managers in organisations with over 1,000 employees between May and June 2004.
About
Established in 1985, London based is a leading provider of IT security solutions for organisations world-wide. The security standard has now become essential practice thousands of customers around the globe. The company counts NATO, the UN, over 300 MoD sites, and numerous UK Police organisations as long standing clients.
Reflex Disknet was first launched in 1992 and is firmly established as the market leader world-wide. With its stablemates - (government approved PC encryption), and , continues to develop its reputation as IT security developers of the highest calibre.
has established an extensive world-wide operation to support its rapidly expanding customer base. Subsidiaries are located across Britain, Europe, the USA, Africa and Australasia.
About Vanson Bourne
Incorporated in 1999, Vanson Bourne is a specialist research-based IT marketing consultancy offering clients analysis and advice based on incisive and rigorous research into their market environment. The company has been delivering research-based marketing support for the IT and telecommunications community for many years.
For further information please contact:
Karen Wells/James Walker
Tel: /3439
Email:
Research reveals that 60% of businesses are oblivious to the devices being used on their network
Research issued today by revealed that UK businesses are facing a growing security threat from removable media devices on their networks and risk both virus infection and the loss of corporate data if measures aren't implemented to manage these devices correctly.
The survey revealed that 82% of businesses believe that mobile media devices (such as USB memory sticks) pose a significant security threat with a further 60% admitting that they fail to monitor device usage. This indicates that even though the danger has been recognised, securing this particular threat is not an IT priority.
"The research has revealed some worrying attitudes towards corporate security," said Andy Campbell, managing director of . "Whilst businesses recognise a problem exists, they are taking few practical measures to protect themselves from the risks associated with removable media devices."
The research, conducted amongst 100 IT managers in UK organisations went on to reveal:
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Removable media is not controlled: 84% of businesses do not have security policies to prevent employees using removable media on the network
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Data security is critical: 94% of respondents confirmed that data security is important to the success of their business
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Employees pose security risks: 49% believe employees are taking unnecessary risks with critical corporate data
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Businesses unsure of data integrity: Although businesses rely on data for competitive advantage, 42% have no idea whether removable media has been used to steal sensitive corporate information
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Removable media use widespread: 85% use removable media devices throughout the company with data being transported between the office and home
"Today's research has revealed some major security concerns for UK businesses," added Campbell. "It's clear that the majority of IT managers have little or no visibility of the devices present on their networks and subsequently don't know what these devices are being used for. With the growing demand for mobile and remote working practises, removable media devices will only increase in popularity and businesses need to look at ways of securing critical corporate data both inside and outside of the corporate environment."
The research also indicated that businesses perceive the threat of internal data theft as far more significant than the risk from outside the firewall. 54% of respondents saw internal data theft as a threat to their business whilst just 35% demonstrated concern about the external danger. Surprisingly the perceived threat of hacker attacks was viewed as similar whether inside or outside the network with 43% viewing external hacker attacks as a threat to the business and 44% worrying about the risk from within.
"Businesses need to take a broader approach to security, by considering where security breaches might occur from inside their organisation." said Graham Opie, research director at Vanson Bourne. "Very few have internal procedures to prevent data theft or prohibit the downloading of illegal and potentially harmful applications. Furthermore employees are often wandering around with unencrypted and critical data stored on mobile devices, which could easily be lost and end up in the wrong hands. It's becoming increasingly essential for any business that values its corporate data to address the risks associated with removable media devices."
According to the 2003 , theft of proprietary information is one of the costliest forms of computer crime, consistently topping the rankings of reported financial losses since 1999, exceeding even damage from worms and viruses.
Vanson Bourne, a specialist IT research consultancy, interviewed 100 IT managers in organisations with over 1,000 employees between May and June 2004.
About
Established in 1985, London based is a leading provider of IT security solutions for organisations world-wide. The security standard has now become essential practice thousands of customers around the globe. The company counts NATO, the UN, over 300 MoD sites, and numerous UK Police organisations as long standing clients.
Reflex Disknet was first launched in 1992 and is firmly established as the market leader world-wide. With its stablemates - (government approved PC encryption), and , continues to develop its reputation as IT security developers of the highest calibre.
has established an extensive world-wide operation to support its rapidly expanding customer base. Subsidiaries are located across Britain, Europe, the USA, Africa and Australasia.
About Vanson Bourne
Incorporated in 1999, Vanson Bourne is a specialist research-based IT marketing consultancy offering clients analysis and advice based on incisive and rigorous research into their market environment. The company has been delivering research-based marketing support for the IT and telecommunications community for many years.
For further information please contact:
Karen Wells/James Walker
Tel: /3439
Email:
